Indians' Swisher out with sore shoulder

Slumping Indians first baseman Nick Swisher will miss the next few games because of a sore left shoulder.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona said Swisher received a cortisone shot after an MRI revealed no structural damage.

Swisher is expected to miss the three-game series against Kansas City. Francona said Swisher possibly could return Friday when the Indians open a three-game set against Minnesota. The Indians hope rest will prevent Swisher from going on the disabled list.

His shoulder has been bothering him for some time, and Francona said the switch-hitter made it worse with ''big swings'' during a weekend series against Washington.

Swisher signed a four-year deal with Cleveland in December. He recently went through an 0-for-27 slump and has just five hits in his last 47 at-bats.